Do you ever wonder what Memory Maker is all about or why you should add it to your Walt Disney World package? We are going to discuss everything you wanted to know about Memory Maker and Disney’s PhotoPass service.
What is Memory Maker?
Memory Maker is an add-on product you can include with your Walt Disney World Resort package. It provides you access to unlimited digital Disney PhotoPass photos captured at hundreds of locations throughout Walt Disney World. The photos are professional looking and sometimes come with little sprinkles of magic which we will go into more detail later.
Where can I find the Disney PhotoPass photo locations?
The Disney PhotoPass photo locations can be found at select attractions, restaurants, character meet and greets and other locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. Most attraction photos are taken on the big thrill rides like Expedition Everest, Splash Mountain and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror; however, you can also find photos taken on calmer rides and shows like Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Haunted Mansion and Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple.
Some character dining locations offer Disney PhotoPass photographers who will take your photo with characters like The Queen at Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White and Cinderella at Cinderella’s Royal Table. Most character meet and greet locations also include Disney PhotoPass photographers where you’ll experience taking a professional-looking photo with your favorite Disney characters. You will also find plenty of Disney PhotoPass photographers in front of iconic landmarks like The Tree of Life in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and on Main Street U.S.A. in front of Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom.
One of the lesser known PhotoPass locations is the Disney PhotoPass Studio which can be found at Disney Springs, Disney’s shopping, dining and entertainment district. The Disney PhotoPass Studio features an entire indoor studio dedicated to taking photos with a Disney PhotoPass photographer! The studio offers several backdrops and props ideal for a memorable vacation photo.
The cost for the indoor studio session is free and all your Memory Maker downloads are included. No reservations are required. Simply stop by the studio during your visit to Disney Springs and a photographer will be on hand to help you select the perfect backdrop. Our advice is to make a reservation at the Disney Spring’s Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique location for a princess or knight makeover and then head over to the Disney PhotoPass Studio for a fabulous photo session!
How does Memory Maker work?
Memory Maker is linked to a guest’s My Disney Experience account. A Disney PhotoPass photographer will scan a guest’s Magic Band or park ticket prior to taking the photos and the photos will show up on the guest’s My Disney Experience account. On certain rides, the PhotoPass system will automatically recognize guests’ Magic Bands as they enter the camera area where the photo will be taken. So there is no scanning required on rides.
How much is Memory Maker?
If you want to add Memory Maker to your Walt Disney World package, the advanced purchase price is currently $169. You must add Memory Maker to your package at least 3 days prior to your arrival to take advantage of this advanced purchase pricing. If you decide to purchase Memory Maker during your trip, the cost will be $199. So it’s very cost-effective to purchase it ahead of time!
If you or a family member qualify for military discounted tickets, you can also purchase Memory Maker for a discount once you arrive at the parks. Just visit Guest Relations at the Walt Disney World Resort for more details.
Does everyone in my traveling party need to purchase Memory Maker?
Absolutely not! Only one person in your traveling party has to purchase Memory Maker to receive unlimited downloads. All guests whose names are listed on the same reservation as the guest who purchases Memory Maker can utilize this service – even if that guest is not in the photo! As a matter of fact, if you have friends and family who are linked to your My Disney Experience account, those guests can also use your Memory Maker purchase. The only caveat is that the guest who purchases Memory Maker will be the only person with the ability to download the photos.
What are Magic Shots?
Magic Shots are those special surprises that appear in your Disney PhotoPass photos. Sometimes those surprises are Disney characters and images which automatically appear in the photos with you. Other times, you will find animated Magic Shots which are fun videos of Disney characters who appear with your photos. Many Disney PhotoPass photographers who are positioned in front of iconic landmarks offer Magic Shots and I always recommend that guests request them. Disney PhotoPass photographers are not allowed to reveal the particular Magic Shot with you but this adds to the element of surprise when you view your photos later.
What if I have a special event I want to capture?
If you are looking for an opportunity to capture personalized photos, we suggest making an advanced reservation with a Disney PhotoPass photographer. Recently, Disney introduced Capture Your Moment in Magic Kingdom, a paid photography session. Capture Your Moment lets you book time with a Disney PhotoPass photographer for a personalized photo session to capture celebrations and milestones, such as a proposal, baby announcement, graduation, anniversary, family reunion, first visit, birthday, and more. All Capture Your Moment photo session locations offer an iconic view of Magic Kingdom Park, to include a view of Cinderella Castle. At the start of your session, your photographer will share available photo shoot locations and discuss what you’d like to capture before escorting you to your photo shoot location. Once you arrive at your photo shoot location, you will have the opportunity to capture photos there with your photographer for up to 20 minutes.
Each Capture Your Moment session is $50. If you want more time in front of the camera, you can book two Capture Your Moment sessions back-to-back for $100. If you choose the 40 minute session, you’ll have the option to visit at least two photo locations. You can call 407-939-7758 to book a Capture Your Moment session.
When can I begin using Memory Maker and how long does it last?
You can begin using Memory Maker anytime during your visit and up until 30 days later.
How do I download my photos?
To retrieve your photos, just go to your My Disney Experience account and download the photos from the app. Remember, only the guest who purchased Memory Maker will have the ability to download the photos.
Do the photos expire?
Yes, your Disney PhotoPass photos will expire. If you do not have a Walt Disney World annual pass, your photos will expire 45 days after each photo is taken. So it’s important to download your photos as soon as possible so you don’t miss out on those captured memories.
What if I only want a few photos?
If you only want a few Disney PhotoPass photos, you can pay just for the photos and videos you want to keep. However, to enjoy the value and convenience of downloading all your vacation photos for one price, we highly recommend purchasing Memory Maker. It’s a great value and one of our favorite souvenir purchases!
Do you typically purchase Memory Maker for your Walt Disney World trips? If so, comment below and tell us why you love Memory Maker!
For more information or to schedule a consultation about a trip to Walt Disney World or any other luxury family vacation, please contact Lissa Ryan at lissa@kingdomdestinations.com for a price quote.
Travel Advisor